MIWD, NIA partner to tap Jalaur River resource to boost Iloilo water supply

Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have partnered to bolster the water supply in Iloilo City and its nearby municipalities.

In a news release on Tuesday, MIWD said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the NIA for the conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of transferring a portion of NIA’s water rights from the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) to MIWD.

The accord was signed by NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen and MIWD general Manager Alfredo Tayo III.

Under the agreement, MIWD will lead a feasibility study to assess the technical, financial, legal, and environmental viability of allocating up to 1 cubic meter per second — or 86 million liters per day — from NIA’s JRMP II water rights. 

The signing of the MOU also signals the start of a one-year joint evaluation by NIA and MIWD to finalize the terms of cooperation.

MIWD said the initiative supports the government's push to establish water security and is expected to lead to a formal agreement allowing JRMP II to serve both agricultural and domestic needs.

The JRMP II is the first major water reservoir project outside Luzon and includes components for bulk water supply, hydropower, and solar energy. 

MIWD will also build and operate the intake and treatment systems that will provide clean, potable water to the public.

“The JRMP II is a landmark government project, and this partnership opens new doors for optimizing its benefits beyond irrigation,” said Tayo.

MIWD serves Iloilo City and the municipalities of Cabatuan, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel, and Sta. Barbara.

“Through this MOU, we are laying the groundwork to responsibly utilize part of the Jalaur River’s water resources for safe, reliable, and accessible drinking water,” said Tayo. — BAP, GMA Integrated News